Vickery has a unique distinction among Welsh internationals as he is the only man to have pulled on the red shirt after his father represented England.

A product of rugby apprenticeships at Taibach and Cwmavon, Vickery graduated to a strong Aberavon side in 1928. His father, George, played one Test for England against Ireland in 1905. When his son received his international call in 1938 it was for his father's adoptive homeland, where he had moved in search of work.

Vickery played four Tests for Wales between 1938 and 1939, returning to play for Aberavon following the end of World War II in 1945.